This text is intended to expand a topic mentioned
in the leaflet 'What is Freemasonry'. It explains the United Grand Lodge of
England's view on Freemasonry and Society. Grand Lodge's Policy It must be
clearly understood by every member of the Craft that his membership does not
in any way exempt him from his duty to meet his responsibilities to the society
in which he lives.

The Charge to the new Initiate call on him to
be exemplary in the discharge of his civil duties; this duty extends throughout
his private, public, business or professional life.

Respect for the Law:- Freemasonry demands from
its members a respect for the law of any country in which a man may work and
live.

Principles:- The principles of Freemasonry do
not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, whether at work
or at home or in public life, but on the contrary should strengthen them in
fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. Thus there is no conflict
of interest between a Freemason's obligation and his public duty. If an actual
or potential conflict of duties or interests is known to exist or is foreseen,
a declaration to that effect should be made. It may on occasions be prudent
to disclose membership to avoid what others mistakenly imagine to be a potential
conflict or bias, but this must be a matter for individual judgement.

Use of Membership:- A Freemason must not use
his membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional
or personal interests. This is made clear directly or by inference several
times during a Freemason's early career so that no Freemason can pretend to
be ignorant of it. A Freemason who transgresses this rule may be suspended
from Masonic activities or even expelled.

Family:- Freemasonry should not be allowed to
harm a man's family or other connections by taking too much of his time or
his money, or causing him to act in any way against their interests.

Duty as a Citizen:- A Freemason's duty as a
citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any
attempt to shield a Freemason who as acted dishonourably or unlawfully, or
to confer an unfair advantage on another Freemason is contrary to this prime
duty.

Personal or Business Difficulties:- If it could
be proved by evidence that any personal failure or business difficulty was
attributable to 'Masonic influence', Masonic authority would take a serious
view of the fact, as this would be contrary to the principles of Freemasonry.